Homepage / Bullion Coins: Australian Coins / 1 kilo. Australian Gold Kangaroo

Updated on 08/06/2026

1 kilo. Gold Australian Kangaroo
(Nugget) Bullion Coin

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1991 - Present

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In 1986, shortly after the U.S. Mint introduced the American Eagle gold bullion coin series, the Perth Mint introduced its first gold bullion coin series, The Australian Nugget.

The Perth Mint began minting the Australian Nugget gold bullion coin series in the following sizes: 1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz, and 1/10oz.

For the first three years of minting, the reverse side of the gold bullion coins featured the design of a large Gold Nugget found in Australia.

In 1990, the reverse design changed for the 1oz. and fractional bullion coins to a Kangaroo, plus the Perth Mint added the 1/20oz.-sized bullion coin to the popular series.

However, even though the reverse side of the coin changed from a nugget to a kangaroo in 1990, it wouldn't be until 2008 when the Perth Mint officially changed the name of the gold bullion coin from "The Australian Nugget" to "Australian Kangaroo."

In 1991, the Perth Mint added three more gold bullion coins to the series, the 1-kilo., 10oz., and 2oz. coins, all sharing the same reverse design as today's 1-kilo. Gold Australian Kangaroo (right).

The reverse of the 1-kilogram, 10 oz, and 2 oz Australian Kangaroo gold bullion coin was created by Dr. Stuart Devlin.  His design displays the iconic Red Kangaroo surrounded by stylized rays of sunlight.

The 1-kilo. gold bullion coin's design has remained unchanged since its inception in 1991, unlike the 1oz. and fractional-sized bullion coins.

The smaller versions of the Gold Australian Kangaroo bullion coin receive a new design each year for the coin's reverse side.

The Perth Mint stopped minting the 10 oz., 2 oz. and 1/20th oz. Australian Kangaroo Gold bullion coins in 2009.

Due to the gold bullion coin's proof-like finish and its limited mintage figures, the Gold Australian Kangaroo (Nugget) bullion coin has become one of the Perth Mint's most sought-after bullion coins, and it has the potential to appreciate beyond the value of its gold content.

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Design of the
1 kilo. Gold Australian Kangaroo
(Nugget) Bullion Coin

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Obverse

A subtle difference occurs on British Commonwealth coins when a monarch passes away. The new monarch's profile changes direction from that of the previous leader of the kingdom.

On the Australian Kangaroo coins issued in 2023 and previous years, the late Queen Elizabeth II is depicted facing right. In contrast, the current Kangaroo coin features the new King of England, Charles III, facing left.

Switching the direction a monarch faces on British Commonwealth coinage is a tradition that dates back to the 17th century for the British Royal Family.

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The obverse side of the 1 oz Gold Australian Kangaroo bullion coin portrays the profile of His Majesty, King Charles III, designed by David Thorne. 

Inscriptions:

• CHARLES III
• AUSTRALIA
• •  3000 DOLLARS  •  (face value)
  
• DT - designer's initials under the King's profile

Note:  In the first year (1991), the 1-kilo bullion coin had a face value of "10000 DOLLARS." From 1992 to the present day, the 1-kilo bullion coin has had a face value of "3000 DOLLARS."

Obverse side photo provided courtesy of The Perth Mint

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Reverse

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The reverse side of the 1-kilogram Australian Kangaroo gold bullion coin showcases a classic design by Dr. Stuart Devlin, featuring the iconic Red Kangaroo amidst stylized rays of sunlight.

Inscriptions:

• AUSTRALIAN KANGAROO
• weight of "1 KILO"
• purity of "9999 GOLD"
• Year of Issue - • 2026 •
• P - Mint Mark of the Perth Mint
• RED KANGAROO
  

The edge on the gold bullion coin is reeded.

Reverse side photo provided courtesy of The Perth Mint

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1 kilo. Gold Australian Kangaroo
(Nugget)
Coin Information

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Introduced:..............1991

Ofcl. Coin Name........"The Australian Nugget" 1991 - 2007

Ofcl. Coin Name........"Australian Kangaroo" 2008 - present

IRA Approved:..........Yes

Face Value:...............$10,000 AUD (1991)

Face Value:...............$3000 AUD (1992 - Present)

Gold Content:............1 troy kilo.

Total Weight:............2.2lbs. / 32.151 troy oz.

Purity:......................99.99% (per cent) / 999.9 (per mille)

Karat:.......................24 karat

Diameter:.................75.60 mm

Thickness:................13.90 mm

Obverse Designer:....Raphael David Maklouf (1991 - 1997)

Obverse Designer:....Ian Rank-Broadley (1998 - 2018)

Obverse Designer:....Jody Clark (2019 - 2023)

Obverse Designer:....Dan Thorne (2024 - Present)

Reverse Designer:....Dr. Stuart Devlin (.pdf about Stuart Devlin)

Mint Mark:................1991 - 2007 - No

Mint Mark:................2008 - Present - Yes  (P = Perth Mint)

Edge:........................Reeded

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1 kilo. Gold Australian Kangaroo
(Nugget) Bullion Coin
- Mintage Figures

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Year....Sales....Mintage

1991....8,743....unlimited....Red Kangaroo

1992....5,108....unlimited....Red Kangaroo

1993....1,007....unlimited....Red Kangaroo

1994....2,533....unlimited....Red Kangaroo

1995....850......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

1996....463......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

1997....808......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

1998....1,487....unlimited....Red Kangaroo

1999....397......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2000....132......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2001....113......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2002....61.......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2003....133......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2004....120......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2005....189......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2006....154......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2007....131......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2008....185......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2009....140......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2010....149......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2011....143......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2012....191......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2013....311......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2014....206......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2015....151......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2016....113.......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2017....105.......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2018....123.......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2019.....177.......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2020.....108.......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2021.....61.......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2022.....519.......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2023.....324.......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2024.....TBA.......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2025.....TBA.......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

2026.....TBA.......unlimited....Red Kangaroo

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TBA - to be announced

Mintage figures were last updated on 06/11/26

The Perth Mint has updated its mintage figures only up to 2023, and it is expected to provide further updates on these numbers.

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